New Wardour Castle

New Wardour Castle is a classical country house with symmetrical wings and a central staircase hall extending across multiple floors. The building displays clear lines and balanced proportions, with a main entrance surrounded by regularly arranged windows.

Architect James Paine designed this house in 1776 as a replacement for the original Wardour Castle, which had been damaged during the English Civil War. The new building marked a fresh start for the family after decades of upheaval.

The building embodies 18th-century English taste for balanced, classically inspired forms, visible in its symmetrical front and regular window placement. This style shaped many country houses of the era and reflected the preferences of the gentry and nobility.

The house sits in a rural setting with accessible pathways through the grounds and surrounding areas. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the gardens and trails takes time to do properly.

On the grounds stands a grotto built in 1792 from stones salvaged from the old castle ruins, featuring three standing stones. This structure shows how the family wove memories of the destroyed predecessor fortress into their new residence.

Location: Tisbury

Inception: 1776

Architects: James Paine

Architectural style: Palladian architecture

GPS coordinates: 51.04160,-2.10421

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:52